Sure, becoming a mom changes everything, but it doesn’t mean you have to trade in your trendy denim for the dreaded mom jeans. You can still keep a little bit of fabulous in your life by learning to prioritize your own needs along with the needs of your newborn. Taking care of yourself can actually help you become a better, happier mom.

That includes finding ways to look effortlessly chic every day, whether you’re headed out or staying in. I’ve found the key to mastering this is simple — layering. Aside from looking great, layers will keep you cool in a world of post-partum hot flashes, help to camouflage a not yet toned tummy, and make nursing on the fly a cinch.

Stock up on these new mommy layering essentials …

1. High quality Lycra-cotton tanks – Invest in more than one. These will become a dressing staple especially if you are nursing and even more so if you are brave enough to do it in public. Classic black, grey, cream, and white are always in style and go with just about anything. Look for versions with a built-in bra to give your twins some extra support. A Pea in the Pod sells phenomenal tanks specifically designed for nursing mommies that have built in tummy control and a clip strap for easy access to the girls. Even if you are not nursing, the extra support in these tops can be great for eliminating post-pregnancy belly jiggle and keeping your ladies standing at attention.You will be wearing these tanks a lot, so opt for higher quality if you can. However, if you are breastfeeding and a leaker (you know who you are), you might consider lower cost brands, since your tanks might end up being more disposable than anticipated. You might even consider purchasing an extra tank or two for bedtime. I learned this lesson the hard way after my husband woke up in the middle of the night trying to figure out which one of us peed the bed.

2. Long, loose cardigan sweaters – Unless you’re more brave than most, parading around in a spaghetti strap tank top weeks after delivery is probably not something you are excited about trying. Enter the wrap cardigan. This sweater adds a cozy layer of warmth with impeccable style. It can be worn loose, tied, or wrapped around your midsection to de-emphasize your post-natal belly. An extra billowy sweater with lots of fabric can also double as a nursing shield for on-the-go breastfeeding. These over sized, soft cardies are also good for travel. They added an extra layer of warmth on drafty planes, double as a baby blanket, and act as a wearable nursing shield for discrete feedings on long flights.

3.Scarves – A well-placed scarf has been a style statement across the globe for decades. The beauty of a scarf is that it adds dimension to your outfit and can be appropriate in any season. In a pinch, a scarf can also be useful as a mop for baby drool or the occasional bit of spit up. Do yourself a favor and buy versions that are machine washable.

4. Black leggings – I am not talking about that pair of your mom’s 80’s stirrups. Always say no to shiny spandex, especially when foot straps are involved. The leggings of today are a great casual alternative to jeans and are easily dressed up when paired with a breezy shift dress and a pair of boots. When selecting your sleek leggings, the thicker the better. Ideally you want them to have a bit of structure to contain your butt and thighs and a little stretch to hug your curves. The right pair of black leggings is infinitely slimming, lengthening, and go with just about everything. Check out the legging collections from Banana Republic or for a less expensive option, peruse your local department store’s tights section. Many brands like L’eggs and Hue have created lines intended to be worn solo as leggings.

5. Yoga pants – The best thing to ever happen to modern female lounge wear is the yoga pant. You need to own at least one pair even if you have never muttered the word “Namaste” or ever care to experience the circulatory benefits of downward facing dog. The best part of the yoga pant is the softly appointed, somewhat generous waistband that hugs your middle as if to say “what muffin top?” Your pants should be snug everywhere except the waistband and an inch or so too long in the leg. With all the wear and washing these pants will get they will climb up to the exact right length in no time. If you can keep yourself to buying just one pair, opt for basic black. Black is slimming, a great disguiser of baby spit up, and looks polished with a monochromatic top or a bright pop of color. When it comes to yoga pants, you cannot beat Lululemon for quality, style, and comfort. No matter what size or shape your booty, a pair of Lulu’s will give you the best looking behind you’ve had since grade school. Think Kim Kardashian meets Kelly Ripa fabulous.

6. Your favorite pre-pregnancy jeans– Just because you had a baby doesn’t mean you have to part with your favorite pair of baby blues. Keeping your old jeans in the new mom fashion rotation is not only a great incentive to get your body back into fighting shape quickly, it’s also a nice way to keep a little of the ‘old you’ in your new mommy world. If you can’t quite button your favorite pair yet, don’t despair. There is help awaiting you in a little magic piece of stretchy heaven called the Belly Band. This ingenious little fabric band silently conceals a belly bulge and makes your temporarily tight jeans feel just like your favorite old pair of sweats. This gives you a fabulous option for date nights with your sky high stilettos and an almost equally fabulous option for every day.

What is your favorite post-pregnancy fashion tip?

Melissa Fiendell is a new mom and self-proclaimed fashion and beauty junkie. She refined her style savvy working with trendy mega-retailer Target to launch dozens of must-have-it beauty products from major brands like Olay, Frederic Fekkai, Cover Girl, and Pantene. Prior to becoming a mom herself Melissa spent five years researching parenting trends and listening to thousands of new mommies across the world as a Brand Manager for Pampers. Originally from Vancouver Canada, Melissa currently resides in Cincinnati with her husband Calvin and styl-ista in training Mackenzie. No Mom Jeans “>No Mom Jeans is her first book.

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Wow, this was a very refreshing blog to read. I am 27 and 30 weeks pregnant with my husband’s and my fifth baby. And knowing how to really live’n up your closet to make yourself look and feel great is just what I needed to hear. Thanks for all the tips and suggestions. I can’t wait to try them.

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